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Max-Freeze
Generic name: menthol topical
Brand names: ActivICE, Aspercreme Heat Pain Relieving, Biofreeze, Blue Gel, Flexall, Gold Bond Medicated Maximum Strength Foot, Icy Hot Extra Strength, Max-Freeze, Mineral Ice, Stopain, BENGAY Pain Relieving
What is Max-Freeze?
Max-Freeze (for the skin) is used to help adults and children who are at least 2 years old with temporary relief from muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, cramps, swelling, arthritis, bruising, or backaches.
Max-Freeze powder is used to relieve pain and itching from minor cuts, sunburn, insect bites, minor burns, scrapes, or other skin irritations.
Max-Freeze ointment is used to relieve tingling, itching, burning, and pain from cold sores or fever blisters.
There are many brands and forms of menthol topical available. Not all brands are included in this leaflet.
Max-Freeze may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Max-Freeze is safe to use if you have ever had an allergy or if you have:
- sensitive skin; or
- redness over the affected area.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Max-Freeze side effects
Get emergency medical help if you see signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Max-Freeze can cause serious side effects. Stop using Max-Freeze and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- pain, swelling, burning, redness, irritation, or blistering after using Max-Freeze; or
- pain that goes away and then comes back after 7 to 10 days.
Less serious side effects may happen more often, or you may not have any at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I use Max-Freeze?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Max-Freeze comes in many different forms (gel, spray, cream, ointment, powder, film, foam, skin patch, and others).
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds, damaged skin, broken skin, or irritated skin.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
Clean and dry the affected area.
Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.
Max-Freeze can cause a cold or burning sensation, which is usually mild and should lessen over time with continued use. If this sensation causes significant discomfort, wash the skin with soap and water.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if your symptoms get better and then come back in a few days.
Store tightly closed at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Certain formulations of menthol topical are flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Max-Freeze is used as needed. If you are on a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not use two doses at the same time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone accidentally swallows the medicine.
Do not get Max-Freeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do not use other medications on the areas treated with Max-Freeze, unless your doctor advises you to.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Max-Freeze?
Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be influenced by other drugs you take, but many drugs can interact. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.